1) How to drink water

Some runners can drink while running. I cannot. It was especially deceptive because I’d been training with squirt top bottles that funneled liquid directly into my mouth. Or I’d stop and give myself a break on my training runs.

Suddenly, every second counted on race day and I ended up choking trying to run and drink from a wide mouth cup. Had I had known to pinch the sides of the cup or gasp, walk a few steps, I might have ended up with more water actually in my mouth.

2) How to have fun

I was so serious when I lined up to race the first time. I could hear other runners chattering about and expected it to quiet down once we started racing. But they kept talking? And laughing? I was so confused that not everyone was taking this so seriously!

Then it dawned on me how I was supposed to be doing this for fun. It may be uncomfortable and hard to race at times, but it’s also really incredible to share the joy of competition with a fellow runner.

3) How to pace

I ran my first race without not only a GPS watch, but without a watch at all. I’d trained with a watch/timer so I had a good inclination as to what my goal time should be. However, I was so caught up in the excitement that I took off way too fast and paid the price with a major bonk.

4) How to dress

Race day was on one of the coolest days of the year after a warm fall of training. I wore what felt comfortable to stand outside in the dark and discovered later that I severely overdressed. I knew nothing about throwaway clothes or proper layering. Later, I’d discover the reason people were wearing garbage bags and really ugly sweats at the starting line.

5) How “never again” is a big fat lie

I’m sure there are plenty of people who race once and never feel the need to race again. But just as soon as I found myself uttering the words “never again” in the middle of my big bonk, I found myself registering for another race a few days later.

Because the joy of the finish always seems to hold more weight than the struggle it takes to get there. The blood, sweat, and tears are all worth it again and again when you can push yourself to accomplish your goals — whatever they may be.